1.   An increase in exports would encourage exporters to boost their investment and hiring plans, which feed into higher revenues and boost consumer spending.

2.   Failure to reach an agreement on the wider tax overhaul proposals designed to lower business costs and boost consumer spending will stifle growth and job creation, economists said.

3.   Norwest Corp. of Minneapolis is hiring people to process loan documents as a recent drop in interest rates boosts consumer borrowing, company officials said.

4.   The changes are designed to lower business costs and boost consumer spending, helping economic growth.

5.   He said measures discussed at the meeting were aimed at releasing accumulated savings in order to boost consumer spending, stimulate the housing market and spur growth.

6.   He said measures discussed at the meeting were aimed at releasing accumulated savings in order to boost consumer spending, stimulate the housing markets and spur growth.